PS 3507 
.07323 
H7 

1919 
Copy 1 



ch^s International Copyrighted (in England, 
r Colonies, and the United States) Edition 
of the Works of the Best Authors. 



♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦- 



No. 376 



HOW NELLIE MADE 
GOOD 

A PLAY IN ONE ACT AND TWO SCENES 



BY 



MARIE DORAN 



Copyright, 1919, by Samuel French 



AMATEURS MAY PRODUCE THIS PLAY WITHOUT PAY- 
MENT OF ROYALTY. ALL OTHER RIGHTS RESERVED 

PRICE, 25 CENTS. 



NEW YORK 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 
28-30 W. 38TH. STREET 



LONDON 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

STRAND 

26 SOUTHAMPTON STREET 



r^rXXXX ^ I I XIIII IITIIITIITTXTT XTTTT^T T TTTTT? 



HOW NELLIE MADE 
GOOD 



A PLAY IN ONE ACT AND TWO SCENES 



BY 

MAEIE DOEAN 



Copyright, 1919, by Samuel French 



AMATEURS MAY PRODUCE THIS PLAY WITHOUT PAY- 
MENT OF ROYALTY. ALL OTHER RIGHTS RESERVED 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 
publisher 
28-30 West oSth Street 



London 
SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

26 Southampton Street 
STRAND 



P5 35or 

673^3 > 



M -9 !9iy 

©CI.D 51769 



' \ 



HOW NELLIE MADE 
GOOD 



THE CHARACTERS 

Nellie Tucker 
Mrs. Martha Pierce 
Edith Ward ~j 

^Nieces of Mrs. Pierce 
Doris CartekJ 

Florence Harris Edith's Chum 

AIaggie McCarthy. .r/i6? Dressmaker's Daughter 

I'lLLIE 

" !• Members of The Helpers' Clitb 
Mary ' 
Lulu Jones An Old Southern Mammy 

Scene — A large city in any State. 

The scenes of the play occur in the living-room 
in the home of Mrs. Martha Pierce. It is an at- 
tractive, home-like interior, furnished in simple good 
taste. 

A door, R. of c. at the back ; window c. (H incon- 
venient to arrange, the window may be omitted. If 
desired, a mantel and fireplace may be placed up c. 
instead of the window). A door on the l. Both 
doors have interior backing. The window has pretty 
curtains ; portiers on the r. door, which stands open 
throughout the scene, or, an arch may be used, open- 
ing on a hall. Interior backing at the doors, and ex- 
terior at the window. If the mantel is substituted 
for the window, dress it with three or four pieces 

3 



4 HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 

of bric-a-brac. Small stand or table, and chair, up 
c. between mantel (or window) and door r. A 
writin.5 desk down r. against the wall, with a tele- 
phone on it. and writing materials. Light chair at 
desk. Arm chair r. of c. down stage. Table l. of c. 
with chairs R. and l. of it. Piano may be placed in 
the L. u. corner, and any other furnishings desired 
to dress the stage, but do not crowd. The furnish- 
ings should be light and pretty in tone, and the 
room is iuly lighted all through. It is a summer 
afternoon. 



NELLIE TUCiCER is of a gentle, sympathetic na- 
ture. Her first dress is a neat street costume, 
with hat and handbag. Second dress, a sim- 
"-Ic !-i^^-:i -^^h-o^s with small white apron. 

DORIS CARTER, is a bright, warm-hearted, 
rather impetuous girl. First dress, street 
costume, hat; s^^cond dress, s'mi'ar — soni'?- 
thing that will blend with the ballroom gowns 
of the other girls, if the musical number is 
used. 

EDITH WARD, is an imperious, overbearing sel- 
fish girl, with an emotional side to her char- 
acter. Two pretty house dresses. 

MRS. PIERCE is a widow, about fifty years old. 
Gray hair, gentle, rather timid manner, but 
able to express firmness later in the play. 
Neat house dress and cap, which may be 
worn all through. 

FLORENCE HARRIS wears very handsome aft- 
ernoon dress, hat and gloves, wrist watch. 
Her second dress is a ball dress, with light 
wrap, to remove, if desired. . 

LILLIE AND MARY, average American girls in 
good circumstances, wear ball dresses, with 
light wraps, to be removed. 

LULU JONES, is a Southern Mammy, about fifty 



now NELLIE MADE GOOD 5 

odd years oW ; very black ; vigorous and as- 
sertive. Brij^ht hued house dress, cap and 
apron. The same will answer for both 
scenes. 
l^AGG'K AJcCARTHY. an ac^.c^ressive Httle Irish 
triri with red curls, dialect, but not extrava- 
rnnt, nu'ck temper. Neat street dress and 
liat in both scenes ; she may change if desired. 

PROPERTIES 

Letter, stamped envelope and check for Mrs. 

Pierce. 
Tea Service, on tray for Lulu : i cup and saucer. 

Iv-a iTii mi'k and sugar. 
Boquet of smail flowers for Edith. 
Medium sized pasteboard box for Maggie ; it is 

securely tied ; dressmaker's bill ; three bound 

vokimes. two paper parcels, tied, suitcase — 

all for Maggie. 
Three letters in envelopes, sealed and stamped for 

Nellie. 



HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 



Discovered: At rise Mrs. Pierce is seated l. of 
table L. earnestly regarding a letter in her hand. 
Enter from r. the colored servant, Lulu 
Jones ; she carries a tray with tea service; ad- 
vancing to c. 

Lulu. I'se done brung yo' your tea, Mis' Picrcci. 
{Advancing to r. of table where she places the tray) 

Mrs. p. {Looking np from the letter) Thaiii 
yoii, Lulu. {Sighing heavily) 

Lulu. {Catching the sigh) What's matter, Mis' 
Pierce ? 

Mrs. p. This letter is very disturbing! 

Lulu. Somebody sick ? {Placing cup and saiAcer 
from tray, on table) 

Mrs. p. No 

Lulu. Dead ? 

Mrs. p. Lulu ! goodness ! no ! But one may be 
greatly disturbed by other misfortunes. {Regarding 
the letter) 

Lulu. Don't see how nuthin' else could be mis- 
fortunate. {Arranging cup' and saucer, and prepar- 
ing to pour the tea) Mebbe 'tain't jes' much to be 
complam' 'bout. {Pouring tea) Drink yo' tea Mis' 
Pierce, an' you'll feel better. {Handing the cup of 
tea to Mrs. P. across the table) 

Mrs. p. {Taking cup^ L always confide in you 
Lulu — indeed I don't see hov/ I could do without 
your sympathy — you've been with us so many years. 

Lulu. {With pride) Yes'm — mo'n twenty-two 
7 



8 HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 

years ! 'Fore yo' husband died — 'fore Miss' Doris 
an' Miss Edith ever was horned — ! I seen Mis' 
Doris bury her mother, an' her father — (Moving a 
step tozvard c.) An' I seen how good hearted yo' 
^vas — havin' Mis' Doris come to b've with yo. Den 
I recommeber that other day, when the tel'gram done 
came 

Mrs. p. The day we heard about the death of 
Edith's mother. 

Lulu. Den Mis' Edith come live 'long with us, 
too — an' we has cert'ly had some right big excit- 
ments with her ! (Sharply) Dont nev' see why she 
can't b'have herself ! 

^Irs. p. I think she was spoiled before she came 
to us. 

Lulu. (Surprised) Spoiled! Why her father 
is one ob the most aggravatinest man I ev'r did see ! 
Jes' jumps at folks as if — as if he was a blood- 
hound ! 

Mrs. p. This letter is from my brother — (Indi- 
cating letter) 

Lulu. (Turning to Mrs. P.) Am dat what yo' 
is worryin' 'bout? 

Mrs.'P. Yes; listen; (Reading letter) *'My dear 
Sister : — I received your letter acknowledging mine 
with inc osure. You will find herein the usual 
monthly check toward your maintainance, sh-^r'i •- 
with my daughter Edith. The remittance is reduced 
this month, made necessary by lack of business, due 
to the war. I hope the reduction will not greatly in- 
convenience you, but do not see my way clear to 
an increase until trade conditions improve. I wish 
you would explain to Edith that my income is ma- 
terially decreased, and urge upon her the necessity 
of seeking employment. In the great changes that 
have come to the world during the struggle through 
which we have just passed, women have come to the 
front in business, and Edith should realize the neces- 



now NELLIE MADE GOOD 9 

sity of work, which will benefit herself, as well as 
3:011 who have been so kind to her. Tell her this in 
plain words. She wrote me, saying she wanted some 
extra money to buy a new dress for a ball. T wid 
endeavor to' send it. With love to yourself, Edith 
and Doris, I am— your affectionate brother, John." 
There is the chedi— {Picking it up from the table) 
— twenty-five dollars less than usual. 

Lulu. (Consolingly) 1 reckon we can manage 
somehow, Mis' Pierce — no oysters on Friday, no 
ice cream on Sunday— an' stay home from dem 



movies 



Mrs. p. (Rising) Those trivial sacrifices do not 
trouble me— it is my brother's suggestion about 
Edith. [Advancing a step) How she will storm 
when I propose work to her! 

Lulu. Das so— mos' fearful temper dat chile 
has! But I tells yo' all 'long yo' has got to be 
mo' stricter ! 

Mrs. p. Her father was very strict with her at 
home — that's why she prefers to live v/ith us. But 
I real'v wish ho woud come and p'.nce this proposi- 
tion before her — it makes me tremble. (Crossing 
toward arm-chair r. of c.) 

Lulu. (Turning to Mrs. P. ds she reaches arm- 
chair) Don't you go tremblin' honey — Ell stan' 
right back o' yo'— an' yo' jes' come out strong 
an' pow'ful like — tell her what's what ! Marsa 
Ward am right — girls has got to be mo' u^efuler 
than they ev'r was befo' — no mo' lazin' aroun'. 
(Turning to table l.) Yo' didn't tech yo' tea ! (Tak- 
ing up cup) Eve'body has got to be mo' spry sence 
the world's got all tore up ! 

Mrs. p. li we can only make Edith see that 
truth! (Seating herself in arm-chair, anxiously re- 
garding letter) 

Lulu. Drink yo' tea. (Crossing to Mrs. P. ivith 



10 HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 

€up) I reckon it might give yo' courage — it'll do 
yo' no kind o' harm nohow. 

(Mrs. p. takes the cup of tea, and sips it, indiffer- 
entlv, her attention always reverting to the 
letter.) 

Mrs. p. Pm terribly afraid of Edith when she 
is ans^rv 



Lulu. (Bristling with resentment) I ain't no- 
ways scared o' her ! But ef yo' feels dat a-way, I 
jes' recommend some kind o' weapon ! 

Mrs. P. Weapon! (Staring at Lulu in amaze- 
ment) 

Lulu. Yes'm^mebbe a broomstick, or dish pan 
or 'tater smasher ! (Regarding Mrs. P. 7vith a 
comie threatening look from one earner of her eye) 

]\Irs. P. (In mild horror) What a dreadful sug- 
gestion ! 

Lulu. Might be ! (Chuckling laugh) I reckon 
dis war's made me kind o' pestif-rous — kind o' look- 
iii' out fo' myself — das what our preacher says in 
church las' Sunday — somethin' 'bout protectin' our 
country without arms— I don't make no sense out o' 
dat — nev' could protect myself without my arms ! 

Mrs. p. Pie means no more guns and bullets ! 
(Sipping tea) 

Lulu. Oh la ! Dat what he means ! (Laughing) 
I done mistook him ! Don't b'lieve in guns myself, 
but I does b'lieve in some'in to whack sense into 
folkses heads what ain't got none from dc time 
they was horned! (Crossing to table, she picks up 
the sugar hozvl, turning tozvard Mrs. P. with it, 
finally reaching her, and putting some sugar in the 
cup of tea) 

Mrs. p. (Nervously) Perhaps you will say 
something forceful when I speak of the matter to 
Edith. 



HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD ii 

Lulu. 'Deed I can — I can talk when I gets all 
full o' wrath — glo' — yo' should hear me! {Batting 
her eyes threateningly) 

(Off R. Doris Carter laughs, and then she calls in 
a clear happy voice.) 

Doris. (Outside r.) Aunt Martha! 
Lulu. {Turning a step up c.) Das' my honey 
chile! (Looking toward r.) 

(Enter Doris from r. briskly.) 

Doris. (As she enters) Aunt Martha! Here 
you are ! 1 ha^^ the greatest news. {Advancing 
quickly dozvn-stage) Get out of my way Lulu — 
don't you see what a hurry I'm in! (^Laughing, she 
gives Lulu a push, which sends her back toward 
table. Lulu chuckling, amused, zvhile Doris pauses 
at ALiS. Pierce's chair) Guess what it is ! Guess 
— guess, guess ! 

Mrs. p. My dear Doris ! How excited you are ! 

Doris. Guess ! 

Mrs. p. I never can! 

Doris. (Delighted) Eve got a job! 

Lulu. Bress my soul ! (Dropping into the chair 
at R. of table l. aUowing the sugar bowl to drop into 
her apron) 

Doris. Think of it Aunt Martha! A job! 
(Sinking on both knees beside the arm-cliair) Sten- 
ographer for the Commercial Trading Company, at 
sixteen plunks per! 

Mrs. P. (Puzded) Plunks! Per !' What does 
that mean? 

Doris. Don't you know? (Laughing) Plunks 
means dollars, and per — means per week ! Sixteen 
doLars per week ! 



12 110 V; NELLIE MADE GOOD 

Lulu. My sakes ! Dat is a lot ob money fo' a 
chi'e like yo' to have! 

Doris. (Jumping up, turning to Lulu) Don't 
yo'Li think I'm worth it? 

Lulu. ( Quickly) 'Deed yo' is, honey, 'deed yo' 
is ! {Observing sugar spilled in her aproti) Fo' de 
snke o' ,<T'or' ! Yo' dona make me spill dat sugar! 
(Gathering it up and putting it in the hozvl) 

Doris. (Laughinq) What do we care for a lit- 
t'e bit of sugar! Think of the salary I am going 
to r^t ! Why wc can buy a "ton of sugar for one 
weelr's salary! (Turning again to Mrs. P.) Auntie, 
you haven't said a v/ord! 

Mrs. p. I am glad my dear, and thankful — you 
didn't tell us you were looking for a position. 

Doris. (Removing her hat, and rattling on) What 
did you think I Avas learning all those little dots and 
dashes for — then, I wanted to surprise you. The 
war taught me that everybody should be doing 
something — now, I think it's an awful sin for any 
person to be idle — especially girls ! ' It's my turn 
to help — there is so much to be done — the v/hole 
world must be fixed up ! 

Lulu. (Rising) Is yo' goin' to help fix it, 
honey ? 

Doris. (Positively) 1 am! We m^ust do some- 
thing for others you know — with your little income, 
and my sixteen dollars, and Uncle John's money — 
we'll be rich ! 

Mrs. p. I have just received a letter from your 
Uncle. (Sighing as she extends the letter to Doris) 

Doris. (Taking letter) Everybody well and 
happy? (Reading the letter rapidly, mumbling 
through all but the passages to be emphasized) 
" My dear sister — I received " — (Mumbling) — 
m-m-m-m — '* the remittance is reduced this month" 
— (Explanation) Oh dear ! (Continuing) — "made 
necessary by lack of business, due to the war." (Ob- 



now NELLIE MADE GOOD 13 

serving) Poor Unc:e John! (Continuing letter) 
"I wish you would explain it to Edith — " rn-m-m-m 
— "ur^e upon her the necessity of seeking employ- 
ment." (Exclamation) Great heavens! Imagine 
Edith working! (Laughing^ then resuming letter) 
— "should rea'-ize" — I am afraid Edith will never 
come to that ! 

Mrs. p. The chccl: is twenty-five dollars less 
than usual. (Regarding check zvhich she retains) 

Doris. (Airily) That won't matter, Auntie 
dear — now that my sixteen will be coming along! 
(Takes the tea cuf from Mrs. P.) 

Lulu. (Dryly) I reckon if yo' ev'r went to 
school yo'd know dat tvv^enty-five is mo'n sixteen ! 

Doris. Don't be cross Lulu — just when we are 
so happy. (Crossing to Lulu, giving her the tea 
cup) Out of my very first week's salary, I shall 
make you a present of a new red hat ! 

Lulu. (Comic disguest) A red hat! Doesn't 
yo' know dat I per-f ectly despise red ! De colors 
dat I has respect fo' is quiet — like green — an' pur- 
ple, an' pink, an' yellow ! No red ! Red is fo' 
dem anarchists — an' — (Fervently) — I ain't no an- 
archists ! 

Doris. All right Lulu! (Laughing) Then I'll 
buy you a yellozv hat. (Center) 

Lulu. Don't yo' get x-tarvagant honey ! 

Mrs. p. (Rising) How will we break this news 
to Edith? 

Lulu. (With show of bravado) I'll make dat 
denouncement ! 

Doris. (Creeping tozvard Lulu) Aren't you 
af-ra-aid — ^! (Shivering, then laughing at Lulu) 
Who can picture Edith rising at 6 a. m., snatching 
her breakfast, racing for the trolley, and reporting 
at the employees entrance at 7 .-45 ! (Laughing) 
Oh lady ! She'll explode when she hears it ! (Laugh- 
ing, as sJic turns up c. and places her hat on stand) 



14 HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 

Lulu. Yo' jes' leave it to me. I'll show dat 
young lady who am de boss ob dis house ! 

(Off R. Edith Ward is heard singing a snatch of 
song, in a clear strong voice.) 

Doris. {Up c. looking r.) Here comes Edith. 
{Turning to Lulu) Are we ready! 

Lulu. {Comic fear) I — I thinks mebbe I waits 
*till dis evenin' — {Crossing hurriedly, nervously to 
L. door) I feels mo' braver after I gets my supper, 
an' says my prayers! {At l. door, carrying sugar 
bozvl and tea cup) 

(Mrs. Pierce moves rather nervously toward l. 
door.) 

Doris. You're all afraid ! {Laughing) 

(Edith continues singing off r. tempering to suit the 
situation.) 

Lulu. {At l. door) Ain't afraid o' nothin'— 
(Edith strikes a strong high note) Oh glor' — I 
thinks I smells somethin' burnin' on de stove ! {She 
exits hurriedly l.) 

Mrs. p. Perhaps you better speak to her Doris, 
— ^you are so sunny and tactful. 

Doris. Tactful! {Light laugh) You mean I'm 
not afraid of her — think of one small girl terrifying 
the household ! 

Mrs. P. She does make me nervous. 

Doris. Leave her to me — with the letter. Of 
course she'll tear and rant, but I'm used to that. 

Mrs. P. {Crossing to l. door) I have always 
been inclined to lean on someone, though I'm 
ashamed to say it. 

Doris. Not a bit — just lean on me — goodness, — 
when I was a child, I looked to you for everything, 



HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 15 

and you never failed. It's my turn— let Edith storm 
if she will— we'll do our duty as Uncle John has 
asked. (Regarding letter) 

Mrs p. Thank you my dear— you are very good 
—if only Edith was like you! (Doris laughs as 
Mrs. p. exits l.) 

(Edith Ward off R. has continued her song, rather 
subdued. Doris crosses quickly to table when 
she lays the open letter; then she crosses to 
desk R. z^'here she 'sits and makes a pretense of 
writing a note. Enter from R. Edith, singing 
softly, carrying a small bunch of flozcers. zuluch 
she is arranging to fasten in her gown. She 
turns an indifferent glance upon Doris at the 
desk, then pauses dozun c. busy zvith her flozv- 
ers. ' Doris at desk, picks up the refrain of the 
song and sincfs it softly, zvith Edith, which an- 
noys Edith.) 

Edith. (To Doris, impatiently) Oh stop, will 
you! That squeaking voice of yours! 

Doris. That's a pretty song— and you suig it 
beautifully, Edith. (Smiling at Edith) 

Edith. Think so? (Continuing song) 

Doris. I'm going to learn it. 

Edith. You'll make a failure of it — as you do 
of everything ! (Sharply) Who told you you could 
use that desk ? 

Doris. Nobody. (Looking at Edith, smiling) 
Think I'm brassy? 

Edith. Hepmg yourself to my best envelopes, 
I suppose? (IVatching Doris) 

Doris. Um um — writing a note to Nellie. 

Edith. That Tucker girl? 

Doris. Um — um — 

Edith. How can you associate with such an or- 
dinary person? 



i6 HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 

Doris. (Rising, advancing, earnestly) Nellie is 
brainy and capable — is that what you call ordinary ? 
It is ordinary people who are doing things these 
days, and the world is finding them out — it was an 
ordinary army of brave boys who helped crush 
";i ;ianism — and it is just ordinary people in 
, ;: y co-operation who will set this great world 
straight — and keep it straight! 

Edith. {Looking at her ; sarcastically) Dear me ! 
What an orator you have become since you joined 
that club! {Crdssing to l. helozv table) 

Doris. {Advancing a step, zvith warmth) The 
Helpers ! it's a dear little club — we're doing things 
—and we're going to expand 

Edith. (Indifferently) Indeed! 

Doris. You know how terrifically we worked 
during the war — when the end came, we had a lot 
of energy saved up — it iPiUst be used — it was Nellie 
who sugp-ested the club. I Vv^ish vou'd join us, 
Edith. 

Edith. (Turning toward Doris) You haven't 
anybody in the club but working girls ! 

Doris. It's true we have no slackers. (Looking 
steadily at Edith) 

Edith. I mean— you have no aristocrats. (Seat- 
ing herself l. of table l. c.) 

Doris. It's not a bit fashionable to loaf ! (Sinil- 
iiig at Edith) Let me tell you about a case our club 
handled. (Center) 

Edith. (Sarcastically) Sick child, I suppose? 

Doris. The little one of a man who was wounded 
in France ! 

Edith. (Same tone) Mother delicate, or lame 
— or something! 

Doris. Delicate, yes — she worried so much about 
her husband — but our club has provided a doctor 
for her — a splendid, big-hearted doctor — v/ho says 
she will get well! 



HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 17 

Edith. (Bored) I know — von always rave about 
doctors — you don't seem to think of anything but 



misery 



DoRTS. It isn't misery! It's wonderfully cheer- 
infT to make others happy! It just lifts you up! 

Edith. I don't want to be lifted up — I'm not a 
bit in sympathy with such plebian activities _ 

Doris. There you stand, on a lonely mountain, 
like a poor selfish crov/ ! 

Edith. Thank you for calling me a crow ! 

( 77/r L. door opens promptly, and Lulu comes in 
step by step, cautiously, speaking as soon as she 
open the door.) 

Lulu. Am de storm over? {Advancing) 

(Doris laughs a bit and turns up c.) 

Edith. (Glancing at Lulu) There's no storm — 
stupid ! 

Lulu. (Siahing in relief, closing door) I'se 
might' glad to hear dat ! War expectin' thunder, an' 
lightning — an' hail stones ! 

Doris. The storm has not commenced, Lulu ! ( Up 
c. near door, regarding Lulu comprehensively, and 
with a glance tozvard Edith) 

Edith. Take this rubbish away. (Indicating 
tray on table) 

Lulu. (Crossing to table, picking up tray) What 
yo' think o' yo' father's letter? 

Edith. What letter? (Looking af Lulu in sur- 
prise ) 

Doris. (Quickly down to r. of Lulu) She 
hasn't read it ! 

Lulu. Oh glor' ! what has I said! 

(Doris dozvn r. below desk, laughing.) 



i8 HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 

Edith. (Obsering letter on the table) This is 
from father. (Picking up letter) Why didn't you 
tell me? (Quickly glancing through the letter) Did 
he send the money I told him to send? 

Doris. Now for the fireworks! 

(Lulu displays comic anticipation of Edith's tein- 
per; crossing to arm ch.air r. c. firmly grasping the 
tray, and ivatching Edith) 

Edith. (Repeating from letter) "The remit- 
tance is reduced" — (Indignantly) And I wanted 
fifty more than usual ! (Reading) — "income is ma- 
terially decreased and urije upon her the necess'vy 
of seeking employment" — (Indignantly) What! 
My own father orders me to go to work ! Oh ! how 
dare he! (Stamhing her foot in rage) How dare 
he! (About to destroy the letter) 

Lulu. (Quick) Don't yo' tar' dat letter — it am 
'dressed to yo' Aunt Martha ! 

{Enter Mrs. Pierce from t remaining near the 
door as she observes the situation, looking at 
Edith apprehensively.) 

Edith. (Reading -from the letter, in anger) 
— -"And I feel that Edith should realize she must do 
her share" — (Stormily) My share! What about 
his share! It's the duty of a father to support his 
children, and there were only seven of us ! 

Lulu. (Promptly) IMight' big fam'ly in these 
hard times ! 

Edith. (Working to a stormy pitch) "^Vork ! 
for me ! I have never worked- -T hate it ! 

Mrs. p. Oh Edith, don't say that ! (Advancing 
a step toward c.) 

Edith. (Turning angrily tozvard Mrs. P.) You 



HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 19 

put this notion in father's head — you never want me 
to enjoy myself ! 

Mrs. p. I did not suggest it to your father 

Edith. Someone did — and he is so selfish, so 
cruel, he wants to make a drudge of me ! What 
work could I do? 

Lulu. {Quick and zvrathfully) I don't reckon 
yo' couid do nothin' — jes' nothin' ! 

Edith, {Stamping her foot at Lulu) Don't 
you talk back to me — you black creature ! You're 
all against me — but if you think I'm going into 
the kitchen to spoil my hands, or into a factory 
to get stoop shouldered — you are mistaken! I'll 
never do it. never ! 

Mrs. p. {Advancing a step) Your father does 
not want to make a servant of you Edith, although 
everyone serves someone — the President serves the 
country, the Governor serves his state, and we all 
serve each other if we do our duty. 

Edith. {Sarcastically) Unfortunately, I cannot 
be a president or a governor ! 

Mrs. p. But you can take suitable employment. 

Edith. (In anger) I will not, I tell you, I will 
not ! {Throwing the letter on the floor) 

Mrs. p. You see from your father's letter how 
much he feels the pressure. 

Edith. I don't care — it's ridiculous — when I am 
trying to keep up appearances for the sake of the 
family — -what would my friends say if anyone in 
this house went out to work? 

Doris. You must have a lot of fool friends be- 
cause it's more respectable to be a worker than a 
slacker. 

Edith. Oh you're so common! 

Doris. I presume you'll roil over with horror 
v/hen I inform you that I shall do something even 
more common by going to work at 8 a. m. to-mor- 
row. 



20 HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 

Edith. {Shocked) Doris! You don't mean it ! 

Doris. You bet I do ! Sixteen per ! 

Edith. {Indignantly) Could anything be mean- 
er — more ungrateful ! {All regard Edith in sur- 
prise) My friends think we are independently well 
off — that we live on an income from profitable in- 
vestments ! 

Doris. Terribly hard to live up to — invest- 
ments ! You'll have to explain that the gold mines 
went dry! 

Edith. You must cancel your absurd arrange- 
ment — for my sake. 

Doris. {Astonished) Give up my lovely job 
— nixey nay, my dear lad-ie ! I'm going to help 
Aunt Martha and lots of other people who need me ! 

Edith. {On verge of tears) It is useless to 
plead with people as hard hearted as you are! You 
don't care for my feelings, but if the disgrace kills 
me, perhaps you'll regret it! {Turning tozvard l. 
door) 

Lulu. {Promptly) 'Deed I won't! An' I 
doesn't 'specs you'll be dyin' f o' might long time ! 
But if yo' does, reckon won't make much di'fence — 
dis ol' world'll keep right on goin' 'round', an 
'roun', an' 'roun', an' 'roun', an' roun'. 

Edith. {At l. door, to Lulu) You obnoxious 
creature ! 

(Lulu displays comic amazement at the word 
''obnoxious/') 

^ Mrs. p. {Picking up letter and turning to Edith) 
Take this with you Edith — read it carefully — I hope 
you will see the wisdom, the justice and the benefit 
of your father's suggestion! {Extending letter) 
Edith. You are all horrid — I shall leave this 
house at once — and never come back until you apolo- 



now NELLIE MADE GOOD 21 

p-'ze ! (Almost snatching the letter from Mrs. P. 
Exit L.) 

Lttlu. (Sharply) Den yo' can stay out — 'cause 
when I 'poligize — dat'il be when I'se in heben ! 

Mrs. p. (Advancing down to l. of c.) Perhaps 
Edith will change her mind 

Lulu. I jes' hopes she doesn't — (Crossing to l. 
cJo&r Tuith trav) I nev' did se no sech desposition ! 
Reckon yo' can't leach her sense 'less yo' get a con- 
stable, or sheriff, or somethin' like dat ! (Exit l. 
carrying tray) 

Doris. (Enthnsiastically) Won't it be splendid 
to come home every wxek with my sixteen dollars ! 

Mrs. P. You do need a spring suit, child. (Sit- 
ting at R. of table l. c.) 

Doris. (Center) Em not thinking about clothes 
but about our club — the Helpers — you know the ob- 
ject — to help the mothers of men so badly wounded 
they cannot do much w^ork. You have no idea how 
many such cases — -Tillie and Mary have been in- 
vestigating — Em going to divide if you're willing. 
(Coiiuting on her fingers) There'll be ten dollars 
a week for you — four in the treasury of the club — 

Mrs. p. What about your lunch and car fare? 
(Smiling at Doris) 

Doris. I v/on't be hungry for lunch — and I can 
walk — I need exercise. (A step toward r.) 

Mrs. p. It is very generous and beautiful of you 
my dear 

Doris. (Abruptly) That reminds me — I have 
another secret to proclaim — it's about Nellie Tucker 
— our Secretary and Treasurer. 

Mrs. p. Yes? 

Doris. Nellie lost her position a month ago — 
poor chummy ! The ending of the war simply finished 
her firm — they had to lay her off — Em sure Nellie 
is in a desperate situation. 



22 HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 

Mrs. p. (Rising) Can't we do something to 
help her? 

Doris. I knew you'd say that ! (Advancing to 
Mrs. p.)— big- hearted hittle Aunt Martha ! (Taking 
one hand and patting it affectionately) Mrs. Mc- 
Carthy, the dressmaker with whom NelHe lodges, 
cannot afford to keep Nellie when she cannot pay 
her rent and board. So — perfectly sure of my 
Auntie — I've asked Nellie to come and live with us 
until she finds a position ! 

Mrs. p. (Pleased) That w^as just like you, 
wasn't it? 

Doris. And just like you, wasn't it? (Laughing, 
throwing her anus about Mrs. P.) 

Mrs. p. We couldn't do "otherwise than befriend 
an orphan girl without home or money. 

Doris. Of course not, and she'll be here any 
moment. 

Mrs. p. I wonder how Edith will take it? 
(Nervously) 

Doris. Don't fret about Edith — let her splash! 
(Crossing tozvard chair r. c.) Besides, has she not 
decided to leave us ? You will need someone to help 
you — ^Lulu is a bluff — and Nellie is wonderfully 
adaptable ! She can sew, and pound the typewriter 
— yes, and she can run an automobile ! 

Mrs. p. We haven't one. 

Doris. I'm going to buy one when I get a raise ! 

Mrs. p. (Smiling) Wonderful plans! I hope 
they'll all come true ! 

(Enter from r. Nellie Tucker.) 

Nellie. May I come in? 

Doris, (r. turning quickly) Nellie! Of course 
you may! (Advancing, conducting Nellie for- 
ward) You know my Aunt — Mrs. Pierce? 

Nellie. I met Mrs. Pierce at a club meeting — 



HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 23 

I well remember her liberal donation. 

Doris. Aunt Martha ! You never told me ! (To 
Nellie) She deprives herself all the time to make 
others happy. 

Nellie. Like her niece! (Smiling at Doris) 

Mrs. p. {Taking Nellie's extended hand) 
Miss Tucker 

Nellie. Call me Nellie, won't you, please? 

Mrs. p. I shall be glad to, my dear. I hope you 
have come to stay with us. 

Nellie. You know what this impulsive girl h^s 
done? (Indicating Doris) I came to tell you how 
grateful I am — but I cannot possibly accept your 
generous offer. 

Doris. Of course you'll accept it! We need 
you 

Nellie. You are saying that for my benefit — 
still I cannot impose upon such good friends. 

Doris. Perhaps a fairy godmother has arrived 
at your doorstep since last I saw you? 

Nellie. No — I am sorry to say — I have been 
out all morning, going up in elevators, waiting in 
offices and factories — but I haven't been successful. 
There seems to be a great deal of unemployment, 
and I must take my chances with the rest. 

Mrs. p. Taking chances is often a serious mat- 
ter, and I wish you would come to us while you are 
— taking chances. 

Nellie. My friends! I want to be perfectly 
frank with you — (Somewhat embarrassed) — I can- 
not meet my expenses — and you must not be bur- 
dened, 

Doris. Burdened ! The very ridiculous idea ! 
We shall make tremendous use of you — (With 
pride) — I'm going to work to-morrow! 

Nellie. (Delighted) You are! I'm delighted! 

Doris. So you see, we need you ! 



24 HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 

(Enter Edith from l. her father's letter in her 
hand.) 

i\lRS. P. It's true — Edith is going away — never 
to return ! 

Edith. I've changed my mind — I shall not go 
for a month — after the ball. Father says — (Glanc- 
ing at letter) — he will send me the money for a new 
dress. 

Mrs. p. (To Edith) We thought you were 
really going 

Doris. So we asked Nellie to come and live 
■ with us. 

Edith. That's a good idea! (Doris and M'rs. P. 
look at her in surprise) Before I start, I shall want 
a lot of sewing done, and errands, and farewell mes- 
sages to my friends must be sent. You can do .that, 
can't you? (Looking at Nellie) It will help pay 
your board. 

Doris. (Embarrassed and distressed) Oh, Edith! 
You spoil everything. (A step to R. her face 
averted) 

Edith. Indeed! (To Nellie) Take off your 
hat and I'll show you what to do. 

Mrs. p. (To Edith, quiet dignity) Not so fast, 
Edith; Miss Tucker is our guest — not your servant. 

Edith. (Gasping in amazement) We-11 ! of all 
the absurd things. Trying to play lady before me ! 
I've heard about you Nellie Tucker — you're out of 
work, and you haven't a cent, is that true? 

Doris. (Indignantly) Edith! 

Nellie. (To Edith) It's true that I am out of 
work, and that I — have very little money — ^that is 
why I am not accepting the hospitality of Mrs. 
Pierce and Doris. 

Edith. I like that independent spirit — it's just 
like me — I shall need you most of the time — but odd 
moments, I'm perfectly willing for you to help Aunt 



HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 25 

Martha! {To Mrs. P.) I shall be with you just 
a month — until after the big Relief ball — then you 
will have nothing but the sweet remembrance of my 
presence ! 

{A loud rap is heard outside r. door; all look toward 
the door. Enter Maggie McCarthy carrying 
the bound volumes, tzvo parcels, and suitcase — 
about all sJie can manage.) 

Maggie. Good day folks — are ye home? I see 
ye are ! {Advancing) Would ye catch that ma'am 
before I drop it! {Extending a parcel by the 
string— Mrs. Pierce takes it) And there's one 
for ye — {Extending another to Nellie) — faith, 
they're all for ye. 

Mrs. p. Are you moving, Maggie? 
Maggie. Yes ma'am, Pm moving Miss Nellie's 
things — to save the expressman — some o' thim are 
such grafters. 

Doris. What do you mean, Maggie? 
Maggie. {Dozvn to Doris) How do ye do Miss 
Doris — ye see whin your letter came inviting Miss 
Nellie to come an' live with ye, it was read to me 

mother 

Nellie. Mrs. McCathy shares all my confidences. 
Maggie. {Center, the books and suitcase still in 
her hands\ Well, says me mother to Miss Nellie, 
" that's a fine chance, an' the best thing ye can do 
is to take it — in fact I think me mother said to grab 
it — (Nellie embarrassed, studies her shoe) And, 
knowing Miss Nellie's — what's this I want to say? 
Edith. Pride? 

Maggie. {Firmly) No— Miss Nellie's refine- 
ment and bashfulness — me mother and meself fig- 
ured out that she would not accept the invitation, so 
I packed up her things, and there they are ! {Look- 
ing at books) "Life of Washington" — "Poetry of 



26 HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 

the War" — 'Tarlimentary Law" — Bless me soul ! 
I could niver be readin' thim ! 

Nellie. (Distressed) Maggie, do you realize 
that you are forcing me out? 

Maggie. (A bit defantly) If I am, I can't help 
it — me mother's boss. (Placing the books in Nel- 
lie's arms and the suitcase at her feet) Besides, 
we have a chance to rent the room at four dollars 
a week, and two weeks in advance ! Me mother's a 
business woman as well as a dressmaker, and she'd 
never turn her back on a chance like that! I'll go 
and fetch some more! (Exit briskly r.) 

Doris. It couMn't have been managed better by 
a diplomat! (Taking the books from Nellie and 
placing them' on top of desk r.) Now you must 
stay with us. 

Mrs. p. (Taking parcel from Nellie) Maggie's 
way is best — let me take this, and assure you how 
g-ad we are to have you with us. Edith, will you 
open the door, please. (Edith turns to l. door 
opening it for ]\Irs. P.) Luncheon will be ready in 
a few moments. (Exit l. Mrs. P. carries the par- 
cels off ; Doris returns and picking up the suitcase, 
places it zvell over r. beloiv desk) 

Nellie. It seems like forcing myself upon you. 

(Edith closes the door after Mrs. P. exits, and re- 
mains up near door.) 

Doris. (Advancing) Tut tut! It's settled and 
we owe Maggie Mac a vote of thanks. Take off 
your hat and in three wags of the cat's tail, we'll 
eat. Then we'll explore and talk club affairs. 

Nellie. (Opening her handbag) I have our 
cash box — there was a robbery in the house just 
across the street from Mrs. McCarthy's — if they 
came over and got this — (Taking the box from her 
bag) — how could I ever replace it? It's club funds 



now NELLIE MADE GOOD 27 

yr^^^ ];,iow— not much, but the gir^s will surety add 
to it with the entertainment they are to give ahead 
of the Relief ball. 

Doris. We ought to make millions! 
Nfjxie. I want to tell you about Mrs. Clarke— 
( Aciifrcssinq Edith as zvell as Doris) a widow with 
Ave young chi'dren. Danny, the only son, was nine- 
teen' when he went overseas. He came back— with 
both arms severed. Lie wants vocational training, 
and she, poor mother, is anxious to keep the other 
children in school — she will need their help, now 
Ihat Danny is cripnied for life. Our girls felt that 
we should pay part of her rent— it would lighten 
the burden, and it would give her courage to know 
that someone was thinking of her, and helping 
Danny — who did so much for us, in France. 

Doris. (Earnestly) There are so many Mrs. 
Clarkes, and so many Danny s. 

Nellie. That's why we thought our club might 
prove an incentive to others — if groups of girls in 
earnest did something, then no Danny, and no 
Danny's mother would suffer in this great rich 
country. 

Doris. It was your idea— your beautiful helpful 
thought ! How much we hope it will go out to 
others ! 

Edith. {Doum-stage a step) Have you much m 
the cash box? 

Nellie. No-o— it is very light— I want a place 
to keep it — safe. 

Edith. You can put it in my desk over there. 
(Indicating desk r.) Is the box locked? 

Nellie. It isn't— we lost the key and it has 
not been replaced. (A step tozvard r.) 
Editi-1. Isn't that careless? 

Doris. Who would think of touching funds coL 
lected for such a cause ! 



28 HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 

Edith. No one will know about it except us 
three and Aunt Martha. 

Nellie. Thank you so much. {Crossing to desk 
and placing the box in the desk) You are all so 
very kind to me, I hope I may be able to repay you 
in some way. 

{Enter Lulu l.) 

Lulu. Is you all read' fo' cup o' tea? 

Doris. I'm starved! {Turning up to c.) 

Lulu. I'se got corn muffins, an' apple jelley, an' 
chocolate cake ! 

Doris. Right this way for the dining car ! {Tak- 
ing Nellie ^v the hand) Come along Nellie — 
{Drawing her quickly toward l. door) Lulu, you're 
a darling cook ! 

(Nellie and Doris laughing, exit l.) 

Lulu. Das a young lady waitin' in de parlor fo' 
you, Mis' Edith. 

Edith. {Sharply) Why didn't you say so? — 
who is it? 

Lulu. Miss Harris — I done tol' her to come in ! 
My ! how she am dressed up ! 

Edith. Her father is very rich — I wish I was — 
so I could have a few things I want. {Advancing 
up c. looking off r.) 

Lulu. '{At l. door) Ain't dat tantalizin' ! Such 
talk! {Going off l.) Reckon dar ain't nothin' 
good 'nough fo' yo' dis side o' heben ! {Exit l.) 

{Enter from r. Florence Harris, a pretty girl, 
very beautifully gozvned.) 

Florence. How do you do, Edith. {Advancing) 
Edith. Florence ! I'm so glad to see you ! {Tak- 



HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 29 

ing her hand, and zvith one arm about her, conduct- 
ing her down c.) 

Florence. I can't stop a minute — I'm going to 
Madame Lorene's. 

Edith. Another new gown ! 

Florence. Yes — for the ball! {The tzvo girls 
move slozvly tozvard the table l. where Florence 
drops into the cJiair at r. of table, Edith l.) It's 
beautiful — pale rose with perfectly lovely silver em- 
broidery ! (Note : The description of the dress may 
be cJiangcd to fit tJie costume subsequently worn by 
Florence) Have you decided what you will wear? 

Edith. {Pouting) What's the use? I may not 
go at all ! 

Florence. {Astonished) Why not? 

Edith. Because I — I may as well tell you — I 
can't afford it ! 

Florence. {Astonished) Can't afford it! I 
thought 3A0U said your father was independently 
rich ! 

Edith. He used to be — but you know the war 
affected him 

Florence. It did us, too — but, the right way. 
{Light laugh) Dad made a fortune on war con- 
tracts — and you can just believe my mother and 
father know how to keep all they get. We don't 
throw away money on charities and such nonsense ! 
We're going to have a good time on our war profits ! 
Heaven knows, after the glorious victory of our 
troops, we're entitled to it! {Sitting back comfort- 
ably in her chair, zvith satisfaction) But I'm awfully 
sorry about your affairs. 

Editpi. I'm heart broken — I'm telling you be- 
cause we are such friends 

Florence. Of course we are 

Edith. I shall die with disappointment — actually 
selected the dress I want 

Florence. That dainty white affair at Ashley's ? 



30 HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 

It is sweet, and you would look stunning in it! 
Can't you manage it some way? 

Edith. Father may be able to send me a check 
— but suppose the dress is sold — it's just like some 
se^fih girl to buy it wdien I would nearly give my 
life for it ! 

Florence. People are so selfish — it's dreadful! 
Haven't you some friend you could borrow from? 

Edith. I don't know anyone — do you? {Look- 
ing steadily at Florence) Do help me, Florry ! 

Florence. {Rising quickly) I'd be perfectly de- 
lighted to accommodate you — only I'm always over- 
drawn at my bankers ! {Laughing a hit consciously) 
And then 1 need such a lot of money for confec- 
tionery, and taxis-^and matinees, and the florists — 
it counts up ! Awfully sorry, dearie, but I really 
cannot manage it! {Cheerfully) Perhaps next 
summer I could ! 

Edith. {Rising, bitterly) Next summer the ball 
will be history — and I shan't care what happens — 
next summer ! 

Florence. It's quite terrible! {Short laugh) 
I must run along. {Consulting her zurist zvatch and 
moznng a step toward r. door) 

Edith. It means, I can't go. {Almost in teafs) 

Florence. Haven't you some old thing you can 
fix up ? — buy some ribbon' in the ten cent store and 
get some cheap dressmaker to give it a twist ! 

Edith. {Indignantly) Do you think I'd go look- 
ing like a guy ? 

Florence. How surprised our crowd will be 
when I tell the girls your father has lost all his 
money ! 

Editit. {Bitterly) I wish you wouldn't publish 
it !_ 

I^lorence. I'll never repeat it — except to inti- 
mate friends ! I have some tickets for a lecture — 



now NEIXIE MADE GOOD 31 

I came in to sell one — only five dollars — but I sup- 
pose you can't take one ? 

lu)!Tii. No 

Florence. (Briskly) It's a shame your father 
wouldn't make some sacrifice for you — and there'll 
be so many swells at the ball, besides it's really a 
patriotic thing — some kind of a benefit for soldiers' 
mothers — it always looks well to appear at those 
affairs ! 

Edith.- (Bitterly) I shall miss it — I have a 
notion to kill myse'f ! 

Florence. (Laugliing) Oh! That's funny! 
(Laughing) It wouldn't help ! Forget the ball and 
go to some free lecture on the Rocky Regions, or 
the power of electricity! (Laughing) I must run! 
(Again glancing at her zvatch) Good-bye — perhaps 
you'll think of some way to borrow it — think hard — 
bye bye (Exit r.) 

Editli. (Down l.) Good bye — come again! 

Florence. (Calling from outside) I will — after 
the ball ! 

(Edith moves slozvly to c. sighing, pausing irreso- 
lutely; she drazvs her fathers letter from her 
dress and consults it.) 

Edith. (Quoting the letter) '"'Sh'^ wrote me, 
saying she wanted some exiri money lo buy a new 
dress to wear to a ball. J will endenvor to send 
it." (Repeating, in lozv tone) I will endeavor to 
send it. When father promises, he always keeps his 
word — and it is a promise — (Looking closely at 
letter) — yes, it is a promise. (Repeating Florence's 
zvords) That dainty white affair at Ashley's — you 
would look stunning in it — couldn't you borrow the 
money? (Reflecting, then repeating) Borrow it, 
and repay it v/hen father's check comes ! (As if the 
inspiration had just come to her) Of course I could ! 
(Looking r. her eye fastens on the box left in the 
desk by Nellie. She gasps a bit, then she hurriedly. 



32 HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 

ncrvnus1\ crosses to the desk and lavs her hand on 
the hex) Borrow it! that's all! Borrow! {She 
opens the box, tlien pauses earnestly contemplating 
the money in the box; slozi'ly she picks up the bills 
and looks at it; slozuly she brings the other hand into 
plav and counts the bills) Seventy-five dollars! 
(With the money in her hand, her back tozvard r. 
door, zvhen, unexpectedly, Maggie McCarthy en- 
ters carrying the dressmakers' box, zvJiich is tied 
and not opened) 

Maggie. (Coming briskly forzvard) Excuse me 

ma'am — (Observing Edith and the money) Miss 

Edith — it's 3^ourself I came to see! 

(Edith, surprised, angry, embarrassed, quickly 

drops the r. hand holding the bills, to the desk, 

zjuhile she turns her head, regarding Maggie, 

resentfully.) 

Edith. (Sharp) What do you want? 

Maggie. I brought your waist — the pink one — 
it's in the box. (Shozving the box) Me mother 
worked half the night to finish it for ye, 'cause ye 
said ye wanted it. 

Edith. Leave it there — (Indicating chair r. c.) 

Maggie. (Retaining the box) I beg your par- 
don — here's the bill. (Drazving the bill from under 
cord about the box) I don't want to bother ye, 
neither does me mother, but we need the money — 
we have the rent to pay, and the grocery bill — and 
Jimmy needs a pair of shoes, and 

Edith. (Impatiently) I don't want to hear about 
your affairs — how much is it? 

Maggie. There's a little balance standing since 
last month, and this makes it all, six dollars and 
thirty-five cents. (Extending bill to Edith) 

Edith. (Advancing a step) It's very high — but 
I'll pay it — can you change this ? (She drazvs a ten 
dollar bill from the money and extends it to 
Maggie) 



HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 33 

Maggie. (Glancing at the money) Ten dollars — 
of course I can't change it ! 

Edith. I have nothing smaller. (Replacing the 
bill with the other money) You'll have to wait. 

Maggie. (Indignantly) Then all I can say is, 
ye'il have to Vv^ait for your waist. (Quickly to R. 
door, carrying box and bill) 

Edith. (Quick, astonished) Are you going to 
take it away ? 

Maggie. (At r door) I am — the last v/ords me 
mother said was — "Maggie, bring the money or the 
box! If ye don't I'll beat ye." Good day to ye! 
(Exit R. carrying box) 

(Edith pauses a second, then she 'smiles as she looks 
at the money; she drops into the chair at the 
desk and take up the 'phone.) 

Edith. (Calling in 'phone) 4-6-7-Main. Yes, 
please. (While she is waiting for the call, she sings 
the snatch of song she sang at the opening of her 
scene; this is continued to a reasonable degree, as 
might be the case naturally; then she picks up the 
answer at the 'phone) Is this Ashley's? Yes — Miss 
Andrews ? This is Miss Ward. You remember the 
white evening gown I " was looking at yesterday — 
yes. I — I've decided to buy it. Lay it aside and I 
will send you the money. Good bye. (She replaces 
a ten dollar bill in the tin box, and gathers up all 
the other bills, rising, advancing, pauses c. to tuck 
tlie money in her dress. She continues crossing to 
L. door, aboiit to exit, zuhen Doris laughs outside l. 
Edith pauses — then drawing herself together reso- 
lutely, she exits quickly l.) 

SCENE II 

The same set. About two zveeks later. 
(At rise — Enter simultaneously, Edith from l. 



34 HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 

Nellie from r. Nellie carries three letters, 
sealed and ^stamped.) 

Edith. {Advancing as she observes the letters) 
Letters ? 

Nellie. The postman just brought them. {Ad- 
wmcing to c. Edith quickly, eagerly advances and 
extends licr hand) 

Edith. {Glancing over letters) One for Doris, 
and two for Mrs. Pierce. I'm sure there must be 
one for me — let me see. {Taking the letters out of 
Nellie's hand) 

Nellie. I'm sorry, but there isn't. 

Edith. There should be one from father. 

Nellie. {Encouragingly) Perhaps it will come 
to-morrow. 

Edith. {Bitterly) He has no right to disap- 
point me. {Handing the letters to Nellie, and turn- 
ing to L. c.) He knows how anxious I am. 

Nellie. No news is good news, they say. 

Edith. {Looking at Nellie) In this case, no 
news is not good news — for me. (Nellie turns to- 
zvard the desk r. Edith sharp) I wish you would 
keep away from that desk — all my personal corre- 
spondence is there. 

Nellie. I never molest anything of yours. 

Edith. {In irritation) I don't like anyone to 
linger near my desk — why don't you go upstairs and 
tidy my room? It looks disgraceful. 

{Enter Doris r. zvearing hat.) 

Doris. Hello, folks — didn't expect me home so 
early, did you? {Advancing, drazving off her 
gloves) 

Edith. It's only five o'clock. 

Doris. Not very busy to-day so the boss said I 
could leave. 



HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 35 

Edith. (Scornfully) "The boss" — don't you 
feel cheap? 

Doius. {Brightly) Not a bit— I feel like a mil- 
^orairess. with a crop of money throwing every day. 
(TiirJiinr/ to Nellie) Letters, Nelhe? (Glancing 
at the letters in Nellie's hand) 

Nellie. Yes — one for you. (Extending it — 
f lacing the other two in her apron pocket) 

Doris. (Taking letter) That's TilUe's scrawl — 
{Tearing open envelope) The girls are coming in 
to-day to rehearse for our chorus — I'll be glad when 
it's over — the tic^ et committee tells us they have 
rold a huge lot of tickets for the ball — so of course, 
as we precede it, there will be a great audience ! It 
f^ives me stage fright to think of it ! I wish you 
couM go Nellie — you a' ways bolster me when I 
wabble. {Reading letter) 

Nellie. I'd love to — hut! {Light laugh) 

Doris. But — means c'othes — it's perfectly sinful 
the way we fret about things to wear! {Turning 
to Edith) By the way Edith, you haven't said a 
word about your gown — are you going to wear that 
oM wistaria? 

Edith. (Snappishly) Don't worry about mc, 
Miss Carter. Perhaps I may surprise you. (To L. 
near table) 

Doris. You would — if you ever give me a civil 
answer. (Refering to letter) Tillie and Mary and 
the girls will be here to-day — we'll rehearse ! 

Edith. Nellie needn't stand around like an or- 
nament. She can tidy my room, and after that, sew 
buttons on my shoe. 

Doris. (Indignantly) Buttons — on your — shoe! 
Of all the impudence ! (Advancing close to Edith) 
Let me inform you Miss Ward, that if there is any 
button sewing, you will be the sewer, and not 
Nellie ! 



26 HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 

Edith. (Turning fo Dokis in anger) You in- 
solent girl ! 

Doris. (To Edith, in anger) You overbearing, 
tyrannical nobody ! 

Edith. {Same manner) You 

Doris. (Interrupting ouickly) You — you- 



Nellie. (Quick — in distress) Don't quarrel 
about me — please don't — ^I shall have to go av/ay 
if you do. 

Edith. (To 1^el.l.ie, brusequely) The very best 
thing — since you can't be of any use here! (To 
extreme l. of table) 

Doris. Aunt Martha and yours truly will be the 
judge of that ! 

(Edith in temper, seats Jierself in chair at l. of table 
L. averted from Doris and Nellie.) 

Nellie. {Greatly distressed) It v/ould be best 
for me to go. (r. c.) 

Doris. I say stay — that settles it. {Removing 
her hat. A glance toward Edith, airily) If some 
genius would only write a movie and call it "Edith, 
the Grouch!" it might reform — someone! (Up to 
stand where she leaves her hat and gloves) 

Nellie. I seem to be a storm center — I've tried 
to please Miss Ward — I've tried to find employ- 
ment — but nothing goes right— for me. {Sinking 
dejectedly in the chair r. c.) 

Doris. {Down to Nellie's chair) It v/iil, chummy 
— don't worry — Tillie says — {Referring to letter) 
— there is a very important case we must take up, 
and that means activity for you — in the field you 
love — doing good for others. Besides, we have 
some money in our treasury, and we must arrange 
to dispense it. 

Edith. {Rising, quickly, nervously) I wish 
you zvotild do something for me Nellie — I want to 



HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 



0/ 



send a telegram to father — I'm afraid he's ill. 

Doris. {Calmly) Oh no he's not. 

Edith. I haven't heard from him in nearly two 
weeks 

Doris. You don't care for a letter, unless it con- 
tains money. 

Edith. {Pouting) How cruel you are! You 
don't care if I don't go to the ball — you know how 
anxiously I am expecting a check from father. 

Doris. Wear ttie old wistaria. 

Nellie. {Rising) I will take the telegram if 
you wish it. Miss W^ard. 

Edith. Thank you. {Crossing rapidly directly 
across to desk r. zchere she sits and zvrites) 

{Enter from r. Lulu, somewhat hurriedly.) 

Lulu. {To Doris) Dars a whole flock o' young 
ladies out dar askin' fo' yo' — Miss Lillie, and Miss 
Tillie, an' Mis' Mary — an' that dressed up Harris 
girl. 

Doris. Send them in Lulu. 

{Off R. the laughter of the girls, and chatter of 
voices.) 

Lulu. I 'specs dey is in, honey, (c. up-stag e) 

(El>itii at desk down r. Nellie standing dozvn r. 
of c. Doris c. looking r. E7iter Lillie and 
Mary from r. followed by Florence Har- 
ris. Any number of girls may be used in this 
scene. All laughing and talking.) 

Tillie. Hello Doris — how do you like your new 
job! 

Mary. Did you get my note? 

Tillie. We're disgracefully early, aren't we 

{All laugh.) 
Florence. Dick brought us in his car — we wore 



38 HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 

our ball dresses to let you see them. (// the young 
ladies wear wraps, they nozv discard them — Lulu 
taking them, placing them on chair up c. zuhile the 
girls display their costumes) 

Doris. {Delighted) Girls! Girls! How splen- 
did you look ! Edith, do look 1 

Florence, (l., observiM§ Edith) Didn't ex- 
pect me, did you Edith ? 

Edith. {Rising, turning to th.e others) No, I 
didn't. 

Florence. I thought it would seem rather mean 
if I didn't help out — you're in the chorus, aren't 
you? 

Edith. No 



Doris. Edith wouldn't join us — ^though she sings 
ever so well — you coax her. 

Florence. Ail the girls want -to come in now 
they see how successful it will be. Anyhow, you'll 
rehearse, because somebody is missing. 

Doris. So will Nellie. {Advancing to Nellie — 
to Florence) Flave you met Miss Tucker? 

Florence. How do you do Miss Tucker. 

Nellie. Miss Harris. 

TiLLiE. Nellie ! our secretary and treasurer ! 
There won't be a cent in our treasury when I get 
through reporting all the folks we must help. 

(Edith remains near the desk, attempting to over- 
come her nervousness and apprehension.) 

Florence. Come, girls, let's begin ! 

{A musical number may he introduced here; all the 
girls joining; at the end, the extra girls exit 
R. leaving the principals on the scene. If only 
the members of the cast are employed in the 
specialty, Lulu may join for a comic finish, and 
exit L. at the end. If music is not introduced, 



now NELLIE MADE GOOD 39 

continue the dialogue as it stands, om'ttinn onlv 
Florence's line— 'Let's begin:' Take these 
positicns io continue: Edith in front of chair 
u, c. Nellie r. up-starje a bit. Ttllie and 
^L\RY L cdwve table — arms about each other . 
I^Iorexce down l. of tabh. Doris c. rather up- 
staae The musical number should be arranged 
so Ihe girls fall naturally into these positions.) 

Dorts. (70 Florence) F'orry, youM b? tliN 
belle of the ball in that lovely gown. 

Florence. Em glad you like it. {To Nellie) 
What are you going to wear, Miss Tucker? 

Nellie. I am not going. 

Florence. (Astonished) You don't mean it! 

Doris. Don't quiz Nellie— she can't go— it's ter- 
ribly sad — but it's true. , 

Nellie. (Frankly) I cannot afford it— that s 
why. Miss Harris. 

Florence. (Politely) I beg your pardon— i 
didn't knov/. . 

Tillie. Let's get to our club business, Dons 

Florence. Fm in the way 

Edith. So am L 

Doris. Indeed you're not— you two non-members. 
Listen, and be coiwerted. Sit down, girls. 

(Florence sits l. of table l. Mary r. of table. 
Tillie stands back of table, Edith drops mto 
chair r. c. /// at ease. Nellie and Doris re- 
main standing in same positions — all attentive 
to Doris. The l. door- opens noiselessly, and 
Mrs. Pierce, observing the girls are engaged, 
remains in doorway, quiet, unobserved. As they 
reach position, Maggie McCarthy appears in 
r. doorway, pausing, unobserved) 

Mary. I think we should first take up the case 



40 HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 

of i\irs. Ewing; — It is very urgent. 

Doris. Nellie has a report — (Looking at Nellie) 
Let's hear it. 

Nellie. (A step toward c. as Doris gives zvay) 
Mrs. Ewin^r is a cripple — she was injured in an in- 
dustrial accident years aero ; her only means of sud- 
port was her son, John ; he was drafted ; early in the 
v/ar, he was in the trenches. He was \vounded 
twice ; when he recovered, he Vv'ent bade to the 
side of his comrades. Then came the final drive, 
and John fell — his brave young heart pierced by a 
bullet — his soul had fled, and his body lies in 
France. -' 

Florence. (With interest) Was he her o;:"y 
son? 

Nellie. He was all she had — she is alone. 

Florence. But the government will care for 
her? 

Nellie. It is slow — someone must fill in — that 
is the work our club has undertaken in its small 
way — to bridge delay. You have no idea how many 
widows and children and aged parents are suffer- 
ing — some are ill, some have lost their homes — how 
ungrateful we must seem to them, after their sacri- 
fices! 

Doris. What shall we do, fellow members? 

TiLLiE. I move that we appropriate fifty dollars 
from our fund to apply to the relief of John Ewing's 
mother. 

Mary. Second the motion. 

Doris. It is moved and seconded that we give 
the sum of fiftv dollars 



Edith. (Rising quickly, excitedly) 
you are ! If you give all this money to one person — ■ 
you will have nothing left ! 

Florence. You are not a member, Edith — you 
have no voice — but I'm going to join if you wi!l 
have me. (Rising) 



HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 41 

Doris. You dear! Indeed we will. (To Nellie) 
How much have we in the treasury Nellie? Open 
the box. 

(Edith, endeavoring to control her nervous fear, 
moves to extreme r. zvhile Nellie advances to 
desk and picks up the box.) 

Maggie. {Advancing a step) Excuse me m'am 
— I just came in 

Doris. {Checking Maggie) One moment, Mag- 
gie, we are counting our cash. 

{All quiet, looking at Nellie, as she picks up the 
box and returns to c. opening it. Doris l. of 
Nellie, the others maintaining same position. 
Nellie picks up the single bill from the box, 
and discovers that the other bills have disap- 
peared.) 

Nellie. {In consternation) The money! The 
money^it's gone — Doris — it's gone, all but this ! 
{The single bill) 

Doris and Mrs. P. {Amazed) Gone! 

{The others move a bit, expressing astonishment.) 

Nellie. {Excitedly) It's gone I tell you— there 
was seventy-five dollars here and now — there is 
on y ten lett ! 

Doris. {Taking box — excitedly) It's true — 
only a single bill — Nellie ! 

Mrs. p. {Advancing — to Nellie) Are you sure 
you put it in the box? 

Nellie. {Quick) Certain — as certain as can 
be — I was alarmed when there was a robbery across 
the street from Mrs. McCarthy's — and when I 
brought it here there was seventy-five dollars in the 



42 HO\V NELLIE MADE GOOD 

box — the day I came — and placed it iPx the desk- 

{Locklug at Edith) You saw me 

Edith. No one saw the money in the box- 



Editii. {Advancing a step) Now it is gone — 
frcni my desk. 

Nellie. (Excitedly) Someone has taken it ! 

El;tii. That is clear 

Doris. (Greatly distressed) Girls! What shall 
vv^c do? 

Nellie. Tha money— for the helpless — for those 
who had suffered for us — who could be so cruel — 
50 terribly dishonest ! 

( Edith zui-nces at the zvord ''dishonest.") 

Edttit. It must have been someone who knew 
it was there — someone who needed it — very much — • 
someone who had no money — and no work! (Look- 
ing at Nellie) 

Mrs. p. Only members of this family knew about 
it, and we did not take it. 

Nellie. (In great distress) Oh Mrs. Pierce, 
don't even dream of such a thing ! I am responsible 
for it — vvhat shall I do? (The otJiers look at Nellie 
a bit coldly, and turji a bit azvay) 

^Irs. p. I really don't know my dear ; it is very 
distressing, very puzzling. 

Florence. It would have been better if you had 
elected a treasurer who is financially responsible. 

Doris. (Reprovingly) Florrie — I can't bear that 
insinuation — you might as well accuse me, as Nellie ! 

Florence. (Still more coldly) I wouldn't care 
to join a club that might have its treasury robbed 
at any time. 

Nellie. (Looking at Florence) That is intended 
for me, Miss TIarris. Whether you believe me or 
not, I tell you the truth, I did not steal this money. 
(Indignantly) Do 3/ou think I could, from such a 
cause ! 



HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD .13 

Maggie. (Alert) Steal, did ye say? 

Edith. {Sharp) Aiag-ie, mmd your own bnsi- 

I 



ness I 



I\L\GGiE. (IVrGth fully) I'll not, ihoivqh me 
mother says the same a hundred times a day. 1 
don't know the which and the what o' this — but i 
remember one thing, and that is 

Edith. [Strong and harsh — advancing to near 
chair r. c.) Maggie! 

Maggie. {Ignoring Edith, continuing f.nnly) 
And that is — about two weeks ago I came through 
that door — {indicating r.) — bringing a waist for 
Tvliss Edith— and askin' for me mother's pay ; as I 
turned me head, standing by the desk was Miss 
Edith — with a big bunch of money in her hand — and 
a htt:e box on the desk beside her ! 

Doris. {Excitedly) Is that the box? [Show- 
ing it) 

Maggie. {Looking at the box) It is ! The very 
box! 

Mrs. P. (Horrified) Edith !^ 

Doris. (Sajiie manner) Edith! 

(All the girls, astonished and horrified, looking at 
Edith. Lulu appears in l. doorway.) 

Mrs. p. (To Edith, sternly) What do you say? 

Edith. (Collapse) I — I only borrowed it ! (In 
state of collapse, her hands clasped convulsively, and 
sobbing, she sinks in the chair r. c.) 

Mrs. p. (Sternly) You stole it ! 

Edith. (Hysterically) Don't say that — I never 
took anything in my life before — I wanted to go 
to the ball — and I wanted to look pretty, like the 
other girls — I only borrowed — I intended to pay it 
back when father sent the check — it's the truth — I 
intended to pay it back! Then, you would never 
know! (Weeping hysterically. The girls all move 



41 HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 

a step painfully conscious of the situation, and look- 
inrj aivav from Edith zvho is buried in the chair 
overcome with distress) 

Mrs. p. (Sternly) We would never know — no 
thought ever came to you of the great wrons^ you 
were doing — no thought of how you might ruin ths 
fa'r name of another and put the fearful stigma 
of dishonesty upon an innocent person. 

Edith. {Wcepinq) No — I never thought of it — 

Mrs. p. (Sternly) You thought only of yourself 
— your ov/n selfish wishes. There is a Command- 
ment which says — "Thou shalt not steal," and an- 
other — "Thou shalt not bear false witness against 
thy neighbor." We have been through a terrible 
war because of the injustice and cruelty of one na- 
tion ! That nation failed ! But selfishness and 
cruelty in the individual heart can wreck lives and 
reputations as well as war ! 

Edith. (Continuing to weep) I never thought 
of it like that. 

Mrs. p. You must learn as autocracy learned. 
(To L. c.) 

Edith. (Looking up) What will you do — with 
me? 

Mrs. p. (l. c.) I will write the whole story to 
your father — he shall deal with you as you deserve. 

Edith. Oh Aunt Martha, don't tell him, please, 
please don't ! He is so stern he will never forgive 
me — never ! ( Weeping ) 

Mrs. p. (Ster7ily) Do you think you deserve 
forgiveness after such a fearful act? 

Edith. I see it now just as it is — all you say can- 
not make it worse — I can only tell you that I am 
sorry, oh, so sorry — I will do anything you wish to 
prove it — I'll work to pay the money. I know my 
friends despise me — ^that is my punishment ! (Bow- 
ing her head) 

Mrs. p. (Sternly) I want you to learn so 



HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 45 

thoroughly, that you will repent, and never while 
you live, be guilty of a dishonest or unjust act to- 
ward anyone ! 

Nellie. (Advancing to c.) Mrs. Pierce — let us' 
not be so hard on Edith — strong hearts have yielded 
to temptation — you have spoken of the Command- 
ments — let us remember that it is our duty to for- 
give. Edith has been humiliated — that must hurt 
her very deeply. She has confessed — she wishes 
to repent. Give her a chance. (Turning to Edith) 
I forgive you Edith, fully, and if you will let me be 
your friend, I will try to help you conquer yourself. 
(Laying her hand gently on Edith's head) 

Doris. (Subdued) "Nellie is right Aunt Martha 
— perhaps we all agree with her — (Looking at the 
others) Do we girls? 

Ltllie and Mary. Of course we do. 

Maggie. (To Edith, subdued) Vm sorry for 
Y^ Edith, indeed I am — and I hope ye won't think 
hard of me for telling the truth — me mother always 
taught me. 

Edith. (Rising, tearfully, but zvith more self- 
control) You are all very good — so much better 
than I deserve. You can't think how fearful it 
is to keep a secret like this — I'm glad you know 

Nellie. We know you only intended to borrow 
it. 

Maggie. Sure there are lots of girls like you Miss 
Edith, proud and with a mind for themselves — not 
thinkin' of others — and that's what makes all the 
trouble — me mother says. It takes a girl like Nellie 
here with a strong mind to teach us our duty, and 
that we're not .here only to be dressin' up in fine 
clothes an' thinkin' o' balls and movies ! We're here 
to be dom' somethin' for thim that needs us — that's 
what me mother says ! 

Doris. (To Florence) What do you say, 
Florence ? 



46 HOW NELLIE MADE GOOD 

Florence. It's a perfect revelation to me — what 

I've learned in the last few moments! It just 

stripes one of mean and selfish thoughts. We ought 

■ to tag everybody who ever does a cruel and unjust 

act — like they tag chops in the butcher shop ! 

Lulu. (Upstage) Das right honey, das right. 

Edith. But there's Mrs. Ewing 

Florence. Don't worry about that — father has 
been wonderfully generous to me this month — I'm 
going to send you a hundred dollars as a donation, 
and join your club ! So, Mrs. Ewing won't have to 
wait a minute ! 

Edith. I'm going to pay it back — that will be 
my penance. 

Mrs. p. (Seated r. of table, looking at Nellie) 
You said, my dear, you hoped to repay us some 
day. Since you have completely made Edith over 
— w^e are in your debt. 

Doris. (Center, taking Nellie's hand) Yes. in- 
deed ! 

Florence. She has made me over, too— and she's 
going to that ball ! 

Nellie. I'm very happy if you think I've, made 
good! 

Curtain. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



015 973 683 



